Page 29 of The Mafia’s Second Shot (Burning For You Again #3)
COOPER
T he warehouse is cold, the damp air clinging to my skin as I study the maps spread out on the table. Marco and a few of my men flank me, their expressions grim as we discuss the strike against Rossi’s network. It’s a straightforward plan on paper, but we all know that Rossi won’t make it easy.
“We take out the depot first,” Marco says, tapping a marked location on the map. “It’s their primary hub for weapons. If we cripple that, they’ll lose their ability to arm their men.”
I nod, my eyes scanning the map. “And the supply routes?”
“Still active,” Marco replies. “If we hit those simultaneously, we can cut off their funds and resources. But it’ll spread us thin.”
“We don’t have a choice,” I say. “We need to move quickly before Rossi tightens his grip.”
The men continue discussing logistics, but my mind keeps drifting to Zoey.
She’s alone at the cabin, and while I’ve done everything I can to secure it, the thought of Rossi’s men getting anywhere near her makes my stomach churn.
I can’t afford to be distracted, but the weight of her safety hangs over me like a shadow.
“Cooper,” Marco says, his voice cutting through my thoughts. “You still with us?”
I blink, forcing my focus back to the table. “Yeah. Keep going.”
Marco narrows his eyes, studying me. “You’re distracted.”
“I’m fine,” I reply, my tone sharper than I intend.
“No, you’re not,” Marco counters. “You’re thinking about her.”
“Of course I am,” I snap. “She’s alone up there. You think I’m not going to worry?”
Marco exhales, his tone softening. “I get it. But you can’t let it cloud your judgment. If we screw this up, it won’t just be her in danger—it’ll be all of us.”
His words hit harder than I want to admit, and I nod reluctantly. “You’re right. Let’s focus.”
The meeting lasts longer than I’d like, every detail of the plan dissected and debated until it feels airtight. By the time we finish, I’m ready to leave, my thoughts already on the drive back to Zoey. But just as I’m packing up, my phone buzzes on the table.
The number flashing on the screen is unfamiliar but coded—a secure line tied to the safe house. My chest tightens as I answer. “Cooper.”
“It’s Liam,” comes the voice on the other end, low and urgent. “We’ve got a problem.”
My grip tightens on the phone. “What kind of problem?”
“Rossi’s men,” he says. “Zoey got a coded message about a possible sighting near the perimeter. We’ve been trying to confirm, but...”
“But what?” I demand, my voice sharp.
“She hasn’t responded to the follow-up check,” Liam says. “We’re monitoring, but the lines are quiet.”
The room tilts slightly, my blood turning cold. “How close are they?”
“Not inside the perimeter yet,” Liam replies. “But they’re close enough to make me nervous.”
I exhale slowly, trying to rein in the panic clawing at my chest. “Keep watching. Don’t engage unless you have no other choice. I’m heading back.”
“Yes, boss,” Liam says before the line goes dead.
I shove the phone into my pocket and grab my jacket. Marco steps in front of me, his expression tense. “What’s going on?”
“Rossi’s men might be near the cabin,” I say, brushing past him. “I need to get back.”
“Cooper,” Marco calls after me. “Think this through. If they’re already there?—”
“They’re not,” I interrupt, my tone icy. “And I’m not waiting to find out. Zoey’s there. Alone.”
Marco hesitates, then nods grimly. “Take Angelo with you. You’ll need backup.”
I don’t argue. Angelo falls into step beside me as we head for the car, the gravity of the situation sinking in with every step. If Rossi’s men have found the cabin, everything I’ve done to keep Zoey safe could unravel in an instant.
The drive is a blur, the winding mountain roads passing in a haze of fear and adrenaline. Angelo sits silently beside me, his hand resting on his gun. My grip on the wheel is tight, my mind racing with possibilities.
“She’ll be okay,” Angelo says finally, breaking the silence. “Zoey’s tougher than she looks.”
“I know,” I reply, my voice tight. “But Rossi doesn’t fight fair. If he’s gotten anywhere near her...”
I trail off, unable to finish the thought. Angelo doesn’t press, his silence a small mercy.
As we approach the turnoff for the cabin, I kill the headlights and park the car off the road. The forest is quiet, the trees casting long shadows in the moonlight. I step out of the car, my gun drawn, and motion for Angelo to follow.
We move carefully, every step deliberate as we make our way toward the cabin. My heart pounds in my chest, the silence around us almost deafening. When the cabin comes into view, my stomach clenches. The lights are off, the windows dark.
I signal for Angelo to circle around the back as I approach the front door. My hand hovers over the handle, my body tense as I prepare for the worst.
“Zoey,” I whisper, my voice barely audible.
Nothing.
The cabin looms in front of me, its silence more unsettling than any noise. I tighten my grip on the gun, every nerve in my body screaming that I might already be too late.